Delicious Steamed Asparagus Recipe

Delicious Steamed Asparagus Recipe
steamed asparagus

Before we get to the recipe of preparing a Steamed Asparagus, let us first see what an Asparagus is and also some of its benefits.

What is Asparagus?

Asparagus is known by various terms like garden asparagus or sparrow grass.

It is nothing but a perennial flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus.

Its young shoots are used as spring vegetable. These are the same types of shoots that we are going to use in our recipe.

Asparagus has around 300 species and most of them are long-living perennial plants understory similar to liana, bushes or climbing plants. Some other members of the genus , such as asparagus densiflorus, are grown as ornamental plants.

Asparagus also grows flowers which are bell shaped and are greenish white to yellowish in color.

The fruit is small, berry like and comes in red color. This fruit is said to be poisonous for humans.

Some Scientific Facts

asparagus

Plants that are native to the western coast of Europe are treated as asparagus officinalis subsp. prostratus corb.

Asparagus has been used as a vegetable given to its distinct flavor, and in medicine due to its diuretic properties and its purported function as an aphrodisiac.

How Is Asparagus Eaten In Other Countries?

In the ancient times, it was also known in Syria and Spain. Greeks and Romans ate it fresh when in season and stored and dried the vegetable for use in winter.

Roman Epicureans froze its sprouts high in the alps for the Feast of Epicurus.

Why Young Shoots Of Plant Is Important?

The young shoots of the plant has the finest texture palatable and least bitter taste.

But as the plant grows more mature and begins to branch, it becomes too bitter to be considered as palatable. Only the young shoots are eaten, once the buds start to open, the shoots quickly turn woody.

Some Nutrition Information

About 93% of the asparagus is composed of water. So it is very good for hydration purpose.

Asparagus is also low in calories and very low in sodium.

It is a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and selenium, as well as in chromium too.

steamed asparagus

Some Ways To Prepare Asparagus?

  • Shoots of Asparagus are prepared in various ways all over the world.
  • Asparagus is also used as an appetizer or vegetable side dish.
  • Cantonese restaurants often serve stir fried asparagus with chicken, shrimp, or beef.
  • It can also be grilled, and is also used as one of the ingredient in some stews and soups.
  • It is also eaten raw, as a part of salad, in the recent years.
  • Asparagus can also be pickled and stored for several years which is also labelled as marinated.
steamed asparagus

How is Steamed Asparagus Beneficial To Your Health?

Eating steamed food is good for your health.

We all are aware of the various cooking methods like, grilling, frying and etc., usage of these methods to cook our food does make it tasty but all the nutrition, the vitamins and the minerals that the food is supposed to give are lost.

Steaming ensures that these vitamins and minerals are not lost and the food still contains them and remains healthy.

It keeps the food fat-free and so is also advised by dietitians.

That’s the reason why steamed asparagus is considered as one of the most healthiest food all over the world.

Now, as you have become aware of Asparagus and it’s nutrition values, let us start with our recipe.

How To Make Steamed Asparagus?

Recipe 1

SOME MEASURES:

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 5 minutes
  • Total: 15 Minutes

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED:

  • 1 bunch asparagus spears
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups water

So, now let’s discuss the steps involved in making this amazing dish:

Step 1: Place water in the bottom half of a steamer pan set. Add salt and butter, and bring it to a boil.

Step 2: Trim the dry end off of the Asparagus. Place them in the top half of the steamer pan set. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness. Steam until it becomes tender.

That’s It! You have made the perfect steamed asparagus.

Pro tip: The bottom portion of the asparagus generally contains sand and soil particles, so you have to wash it and cleanse thoroughly before cooking.

steamed asparagus recipe

Now let’s look at the second recipe of making steamed asparagus.

Recipe 2

This recipe is for those who wish to use micro oven.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED:

  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Step 1: Clean and cut the Asparagus. Place it in a microwave safe-glass container with a lid. Pour water in it.

Step 2: Roll lemon on a flat surface to release the juices, slice it in half then squeeze each half over the Asparagus. Sprinkle with pepper and garlic powder.

Step 3: Cover container and place in the microwave. Cook until tender-crisp. Drain and let stand before 5 minutes of serving.

It’s ready!

How To Identify The Right Stems For Use?

Steamed Asparagus With Pistachios and Brown Butter

The stem thickness determines the age of the plant. More thicker the stems, more older it.

Older and thicker stems are woody, so you will have to peel the asparagus if it has got thicker stems.

Peeling the asparagus would also help it poach faster. Thinner stems are young and not woody, so you won’t need to do the extra work of peeling the Asparagus.

Recipe 3

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED:

  • 1 pound Asparagus stalks trimmed and peeled
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  •  Salt (kosher preferred) 
  •  Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Step 1: Pour 1 inch of water in a large saucepan, set upon a collapsible steamer inside. Bring the water to boil, lay the asparagus in the steamer, cover it, and steam until crisp-tender, for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Transfer the asparagus to a heated serving dish, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 3: Garnish with lemon and serve immediately.

What To Serve It With?

  • Top with grated parmesan or pecorino cheese for an elegant flair.
  • Add slivered toasted almonds for crunch.
  • Top with feta crumbles for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Add to a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, and top with tahini sauce.
  • Serve with sautéed shrimp-like garlic bread shrimp for a quick and easy meal. 

Steamed Asparagus

Asparagus is known by various terms like garden asparagus or sparrow grass.It is nothing but a perennial flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus.Its young shoots are used as spring vegetable. These are the same types of shoots that we are going to use in our recipe.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 15 mins

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch asparagus spears
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups water

Instructions
 

  • Place water in the bottom half of a steamer pan set. Add salt and butter, and bring it to a boil.
  • Trim the dry end off of the Asparagus. Place them in the top half of the steamer pan set.
  • Steam for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness. Steam until it becomes tender.

I hope you loved this recipe. Please share your feedback in the comments section.

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